Favorite Organic Heirloom Seeds

What are your favorite organic heirloom seeds? Most gardeners have found a favorite variety of tomato, bean, corn and peas and save seeds to replant the following spring. This is part of an overall garden plan to create a sustainable lifestyle. However due to annual weather changes including droughts, severe storms and early or late frosts we suggest planting more than one strain of each. Tomatoes in particular can be prolific producers with strains adapted specifically for canning, sauces and salsas. Peppers can provide color and flavor to all types of foods, even jellies. Try adding new organic heirloom seeds to this year’s garden for possible inclusion to the list of favorites.
These are some new and old favorites to add to your collection:
• Probably the most adaptable pole-bean available is the Kentucky Wonder which is a prolific producer in climates varying from Kentucky, Oregon and California to hot dry Texas summers. This variety develops easy to pick clusters of stringless beans on plants average 5 feet tall. The bean type has been cultivated since at least the 1850’s and will begin producing in approximately 58-72 days.
• Nothing says summer like fresh, sweet corn on the cob from your own garden. We highly recommend growing, hand-pollinating and saving seed from our Original 8-Row Golden Bantam Corn before it is too late. Corn that tests pure and is not altered by GMO is becoming exceedingly rare and difficult to find. This corn is ready in approximately 75-85 days and grows well in a variety of climates, including Texas.
• Organic Heirloom Tomato Seeds are available in such a large variety we have difficulty choosing a favorite. Cherry tomatoes grown right in the garden or in patio containers add fresh flavor to salads throughout the season. Slicers, canners and plum tomatoes are just a few of the choices available. As new varieties are constantly added, we suggest checking out the page often. Amazon Chocolate tomatoes add not only a unique look, but delicious wine flavor.
• Who doesn’t remember Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelons from when they were a kid? No longer spitting seeds, but saving and replanting them in mounds to grow these huge 35-50 melons again next year will keep everyone happy. This variety is known to have been grown for over 170 years, making it a top contender for favorite in the heirloom seed category.

We suggest learning more about saving seeds, particularly corn seeds for future use. With the ever-changing hybrids and GMO patents, organic heirloom seed is becoming more difficult to obtain. Hand pollination methods are demonstrated in the video located on the Golden Bantam Corn page above. This will help ensure the corn grown in home gardens is not infected with pollen carried in the wind from nearby commercial interests. More information can be found in the seed saving equipment pages featuring informative books on the subject. Learn how to save your favorite organic heirloom seeds for the future.